It's Christmas — put that cellphone away

If you already have decided to take my challenge and put your cellphone away today, then you're probably well on your way to a day of hands-free bliss.

For those who need a little more convincing, here are my Top 25 reasons to ditch the smartphone and tablet today (including a couple of exceptions):

1. More eye contact is good for the soul.

2. Less phone time is good for your brain. Scientists say we benefit from downtime every now and then.

3. Watching the Miami Heat lose is far more satisfying on a bigger screen.

4. Christmas is all about memories. Your kids will have better memories if your nose isn't stuck to a phone screen as you graze Facebook.

5. Case in point: I'm sure glad smartphones weren't around when my dad helped me learn to ride my first bike on Christmas Day all those years ago. It definitely took both hands to keep this clumsy rider upright.

6. Putting your cellphones away is just one more way you can really get into the Christmas spirit and decorate. One reader sent me a photo of her "holiday home for electronics," a beautifully decorated cardboard house complete with lights.

7. Or print out your own festive "no cell" placard here: OrlandoSentinel.com/nocell. It's the small, thoughtful touches that people remember most about a holiday gathering.

8. Consider this: If you put your phone away, you won't accidentally toss it in the trash along with all that crumpled up wrapping paper on the floor. Who wants to be digging through the garbage on Christmas night?

9. It will make for a retro Christmas. If you're into that sort of thing.